Businesses across parts of England could face restrictions on non-essential water use as prolonged drought conditions threaten supplies and put additional pressure on rivers and reservoirs.
Three water companies—South East Water, Southern Water and South West Water—are seeking government approval to extend restrictions to businesses. Potentially affected organisations include golf clubs, private schools and commercial car washes, which have largely been exempt from the hosepipe bans imposed on households.
The move follows months of unusually dry weather that have left water resources at critically low levels. Reservoirs across England are averaging about 54 per cent capacity, with some falling as low as 18 per cent. Eleven areas remain officially in drought, while river flows in seven areas have reached exceptionally low levels.
The shortages are also raising concerns about wildlife and river ecosystems. Low water levels can damage aquatic habitats and threaten fish populations, particularly during sensitive spawning periods.
Southern Water is separately seeking permission to take additional water from the River Test in Hampshire to help protect supplies to Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The river is an important habitat for salmon, adding to concerns about the environmental consequences of further abstraction.
Weather forecasts indicate that sustained above-average rainfall will be needed to ease the drought. England received only 65 per cent of its usual rainfall in September, with eastern and southern areas particularly affected.
The proposed restrictions highlight the growing challenge of balancing business activity, household demand and environmental protection as water shortages persist.
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